Sometimes the truth hurts — especially when it comes to television ratings. After three seasons, FOX has cancelled Lie to Me.
Starring Tim Roth, Lie to Me revolves around Cal Lightman and members of The Lightman Group. They’re a team of specialists who help law enforcement agencies uncover the truth by using applied psychology. Others in the cast include Kelli Williams, Brendan Hines, Monica Raymund, Hayley McFarland, and Mekhi Phifer.
Last season, Lie to Me averaged a 2.9 rating in the all-important 18-49 demographic and 8.03 million total viewers. That was down from season one and the series found itself on the bubble for renewal. FOX ended up giving the TV series another chance and renewed it for 13 episodes.
Unfortunately, season three didn’t perform nearly as well as season two. It premiered last October to a 2.1 rating in the demo and 5.86 million. Viewership eroded in subsequent weeks and FOX declined to give the show a full season order. Lie to Me then hit a new series low in January, registering a meager 1.5 rating and 5.43 million viewers.
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In its final weeks on the air, viewers seemed to rally behind it and Lie to Me had its best ratings of the season — a 2.5 in the demo and 7.67 million.
Though the ratings had come way down, FOX execs claimed that they still valued the TV series and saw it as a solid utility player. Showrunner Alex Cary said, “Fox has been very clear with us — they know what the show is, they know what it can do. [The ratings bump] shows that people will come watch the show.”
Now, after three seasons on the air, the series is over. FOX has officially cancelled Lie to Me after 48 episodes. All of the installments have aired. Though there are too few episodes for a traditional syndication package, the first two seasons have already been released on DVD.
What do you think? Should Lie to Me have been renewed for season four?
Image courtesy FOX.
Just discovered this. This is what none tradition TV drama viewing is about. Back to back viewing . Tots addictive. Tim Roth is an amazing actor. Netflix, please bring this back. The viewers, old and new will come!
My first time seeing this was on netflix. I was so addictive to it. We need season 4 now… a ot of people that I know was amazed by this show
Really enjoyed this show and disappointed there is no season 4. Surely with modern viewing habits and people discovering it for the first time every time it’s shown on Netflix, it’s time we measured viewing figures differently.
The series wasn’t left with the show feeling completed. Season 3 finished with what felt like the run up to season 4, there were many directions the show could have gone, it simply was nor completed.
I really like this show, I was really looking forward to the next season. This sucks!
Wish Netflix would pick this up since fox won’t !!! Love Tim Roth as cal! !!!!
Was looking forward to new series ? How can you tell if any series will do well after so few episode’s?
I’m so addicted to this show. I’m a little upset though to find out their is no season 4. This is a great show to binge on on Netflix. I will definitely re-watch it again. Every episode is interesting, mysterious and full of so many emotions. Please bring back this series to tv!!!!!
I’m already watching this season again for the second time in Netflix,, please make another season, please!
I have no idea why they cancelled this show,, it just kept getting better and better,, oh wait I know this was actually a great show but it couldn’t compete with jersey shore or the kardashins ,, and that’s just sad that great shows like this one get their plug pulled but cruddy shows like teen mom don’t!!! I hope they bring this show back like prison break.
Unique idea, very well put together, very well acted and as Adrian, before me says, totally engrossing. Now I’ve finished season 3 I feel at a loose end !!
Once you got into the show it kept you totally engrossed, I can’t understand why it didn’t appeal to a wider audience?????
Overall it was really entertaining.
I think that the show should have a season 4. It ended with Lightman finally sharing his opinion of Foster. They need to make more seasons so that there can be more between Lightman and Foster. Also, I would like it if there was more between Loker and Torres.
I also love that Cal in his own way kept the integrity of his business and not willing to compromise.
The end of season three was too be continued. I love the show. They should continue the series with Cal where they left off and give it to Emily when she gets older. She has his lippy mouth.